August 22 Wednesday – William C. Hutchings wrote to Sam, offering to dispose of the “Sketches” pamphlets and make $300 by selling them to Aetna Life Ins. Co. who would print their ad on the back [MTP].

Woodruff Iron Works per Edward F. Smith wrote to ask if Clemens could send them the balance of his account, as they had “very small capital,” and had “made a set of patterns and castings according to instructions from Mr Bower[s], as you directed us to do…” Bower and Woodruff disagreed about the castings being acceptable. [MTP]. Note: this may be a continuation of the new form of steam engine H.C. Bower was working on, or another of his inventions; Frank Fields had led Clemens into investing in these inventions to the tune of $5,000.

M. Fagan detective, wrote to Sam: “I would respectfully inform you that Mary returned alone, and slept in your house last night. George’s wife visited your house last evening…” He further reported that local horse races had produced “a great number of stragglers of all kinds” into Hartford [MTP].